Do the Right Thing When No One is Looking

Integrity is non-negotiable. No matter what industry you’re in, no matter what role your team members have, it’s essential that everybody is focused on doing the right thing – rather than choosing an easier or faster shortcut – especially in the absence of supervision.

If there’s any dissonance in your character, your off-the-job conduct will undermine the values you try to portray at work.

As a good friend and colleague, Colonel (retired) Bill Smullen, USA, wrote in Ways and Means for Managing Up, “As a professional, regardless of rank or position, you must be accountable for all you do or fail to do to uphold the reputation and credibility of the organization. That may come naturally to those who were raised to uphold the highest of ethical and moral standards. Others may have to learn it.”

As leaders, it’s our responsibility to serve those we lead by doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. This is one way that we can lead by example. There’s a great magnifying effect that managers have on their employees.

An effective leader leads by example. He or she embodies the organization’s desired values and, in doing so, provides a role model for the entire team. If you want your team focused on doing the right things, it’s essential that you show yourself equally willing to do what’s right under all circumstances. Showing integrity is the first step towards building integrity within your ranks and developing a culture of discipline in your organization.

Testimonials

Jeff Nix, Assistant General Manager – Detroit Pistons

The Level Five event was a great learning experience with real world applications. I believe in learning from those individuals who have lived through and can expertly share their life lessons. I highly recommend Robert Mixon and Level Five Associates.

Marv Stein, CEO (Retired) – Stein Food Company

Experience is a prerequisite to progress! Nearly nine years ago I experienced progress as a friend of MG Robert Mixon. He led me to join the volunteer corps at Ft Carson, Co. His guidance and leadership led me to become a Good Neighbor at the Fort. Additionally, his abilities created a friendship for the post

Gene Brown, LTCOL – USMCR (Res. Ret.)

Thank you for sharing your experiences, your time AND your leadership insight. I recognize that you could do anything with your time but choose to use it to inspire the hidden leader in all of us. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to have met you and I’m especially grateful for your candid conversation.

Level Five Associates

2290 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14610

Level Five Associates is a New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOSB CVE)